Buffalo man charged with drug distribution following traffic stop

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Marlon G. Holt, Jr., 50, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that on May 7, 2024, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of Holt’s vehicle. According to the complaint, during the stop, Holt provided inconsistent and untruthful answers to the deputy’s questions, including stating he was returning from New York City after doing dry wall work. However, law enforcement knew that the time frame could not be correct, since Holt’s rental vehicle was recorded in Myrtle Springs, Texas on May 5, 2024, by a license plate reader. In addition, when law enforcement asked Holt if he had dry wall tools, he opened the rear of the vehicle and showed tools that were inconsistent with dry wall work. The tools appeared to be brand new and never used. During the execution of a search warrant on the vehicle, investigators recovered approximately nine-kilogram shaped bricks of suspected cocaine, approximately eight half-kilogram wrapped packages of suspected methamphetamine, $10,000 cash, and three cell phones.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Ontario County Sheriff's Office, under the direction of Sheriff David Cirencione, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Scarpino. Holt made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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